Detective Mewtwo

by Starling 12

Mewtwo is searching for his remaining cells. Tim is bonding with his father and trying to be a detective. Both think they don't need a partner, but when their paths cross again, they discover that the only way they can solve this case...is together. Chapters switch between Tim and Mewtwo's POV.

11. Chapter 11

Chapter Eleven: Tim

'Stay here,'Mewtwo had said. Two words. One command. And then he had flown off after Dr. Drew's car. Leaving Tim alone, in the dark, in the middle of nowhere. He had his phone, but who could he call for help? His Dad? What an explanation that would be. He had no idea how far away the Grass-Type Laboratory was—he had been a bit preoccupied with chasing Dr. Drew to measure the distance they were traveling. And Tim wasn't too confident in the state of the car right now to try to go anywhere.

Oh Arceus Tim couldn't think about the car right now and how his Dad was going to killhim when he saw its cracked windows, new dents, and mud-covered tires. Nope, he couldn't even think about crossing that bridge when he was already stressing out about being left alone in the woods at night by an apathetic legendary Pokémon.

Did Mewtwo plan on coming back? Would he just catch Dr. Drew, take the cells, and be done with it? Or…would he lash out on Dr. Drew? Mewtwo surely wouldn't hurtthe doctor, after all, he had left Howard Clifford unscathed and the old man had done far worse. Or what if Mewtwo actually got caught? Dr. Drew was a researcher, he might have some way to counter Mewtwo's powers. And after what Howard Clifford had done, Tim knew it would be disastrous for Mewtwo to get captured.

This plan had gone so horribly wrong. Tim had hoped to find the R, or at least proof of the R so he could show his Dad. But apparently their trip to the labs earlier had caused Dr. Drew to make a break for it.

Tim stood by the car, pacing around it. He knew it was probably safer to wait inside it, but he was too anxious to be sitting down. He also wanted to be aware of everything that was going on around him, rather than have it all muffled from the car. He thought he saw a Haunter fly over him at one point and nearly shouted; but it flew right over him. He had no idea if it was Dr. Drew's or a wild one.

Tim tapped his fingers on the roof of the car, listening to the cries of Hoothoot and other wild Pokémon, wondering whether he should obey Mewtwo and stay or go after him or turn back.

He had just made his decision—after already changing it six times and yes,this time it wasfinal—when he caught sight of something coming his way in the direction that Mewtwo and Dr. Drew had gone. Tim's head shot up and his heartrate doubled. Mewtwo? Dr. Drew? One of Dr. Drew's crazy Pokémon coming back to finish him off?

His fear lasted only a few seconds when he recognized it was Mewtwo, the lithe form and purple glow of his eyes unmistakable as they emerged from the shadows of the night. Tim was immeasurably grateful that the legendaryhadcome back. The Genetic Pokémon lowered himself to ground slowly, almost reluctantly. It was clear that he wasn't pleased.

"What happened?" Tim demanded. "Did you catch him?"

Mewtwo's feet touched the ground, and his tail lashed behind him. His orb-tipped fingers were clenched into fists. The road divided, Mewtwo spat. I had no way to tell which way he took. Anger glowed in his eyes—literally glowed,tiny bolts of thin blue lightning sparkled in Mewtwo's irises.

Tim stared at Mewtwo, somewhat stunned that the most powerful Pokémon had failed. And judging from Mewtwo's obvious anger, he wasn't happy about it either.

An angry Mewtwo did not bode well for anyone. Tim felt he had to say something, but didn't know what. What wouldn't anger him further? Provoking Mewtwo right now would be a terrible idea. He had to distract Mewtwo somehowthough.

"The man with the cells is named Dr. Drew," Tim blurted. Mewtwo looked up, seeming somewhat taken off-guard by Tim's abrupt mood change. Tim went on, unsure of what else to do. "He was trying to slip away from the lab unnoticed when I ran into him. I can pretty much guarantee that the other two humans aren't involved at all." Tim racked his brain for more things to say. "He's a poison-type researcher. Which explains why most of his Pokémon have that type." The only one without it was the Honchkrow. Dr. Drew's team wasn't professional or fully evolved, but they were pretty tough for a researcher's. That was understandable now that Tim knew Dr. Drew dabbled in illegal, extremely dangerous chemicals.

There was a pause and Tim wondered if Mewtwo would be angry at him for…what, exactly? Trying to be helpful?

Mewtwo returned to scowling. If the other humans had nothing to do with it, then they likely have no idea where their comrade may be heading.

"We'll find him—" Tim started to say.

Will we, now? Mewtwo interrupted sarcastically. His huge tail cut sharply through the air as it lashed back and forth. The point of our coalition was to find my cells before they left the city. Mewtwo swung a hand down the direction of the road. It is quite apparent that we failed that. With the easy transportation of human development, the cells could be on the other side of the world by tomorrow. Mewtwo turned away, still whipping his tail back and forth.

Tim blinked, mind too caught up in Mewtwo's words to be scared at his angry tone. "No, they won't."

Mewtwo looked over his shoulder. What?

"Ryme City has the best transportation for miles," Tim explained, half to himself, half to Mewtwo. "Everybody around has to get to the city before heading anywhere else. Whether to take a train to another town, or a plane to another region."

Which meant that the only way Dr. Drew could travel was by car, or by riding a Pokémon. Not flying, though—even if Dr. Drew didhave a flying Pokémon that could carry him, one needed a certain number of gym badges to legally use that move. Being a scientist, there was no way Dr. Drew was that advanced of a trainer. Not that the doctor was much of a rule-follower in the first place, but illegal flying would be an easy way for him to be caught.

Tim came back from his inner thoughts and stared earnestly at Mewtwo. "I think Dr. Drew was going to go to the city before I ran into him." When he had said that at the lab, it hadn't sounded entirely like a lie. "He'll probably need to come back before he can go anywhere else."

'Probably'?Mewtwo repeated, no confidence in his mental voice.

"I'm sure of it," Tim nodded. "Which means we just have to keep an eye out in the city."

Mewtwo raised an eye ridge. The entire city? Populated by a plethora of people and Pokémon? Even with my telepathic abilities, watching the entire city is impossible.

Even through his incredulity, Mewtwo's rage was obvious, changing the very air around them like a prolonged Thunderbolt. It was beginning to make Tim nervous. He swallowed. "You're not angry at me,are you?"

He waited, as Mewtwo examined him with glowing narrowed eyes, anger still thick in the atmosphere. Tim was starting to get scared when Mewtwo admitted, No. Not at you. You helped me get this far. Tim sighed in relief, as Mewtwo went on. I am angry that I failed. Angry at our situation. He turned his eyes to glare back down the road Dr. Drew had gone. Furious at that contemptable, avaricious, despicable human—

Then, abruptly, Mewtwo gasped and gripped his side with both hands. Tim instinctively took a step forward, reaching out to steady Mewtwo, but managed to think better of it and forced his hands back to his sides. He didn't back up, though.

"Mewtwo, what's happened?" Tim asked worriedly. Mewtwo's eyes were clenched closed and his orb-tipped fingers were practically digging into his own skin. That's when Tim noticed the bright purple liquid that leaked between Mewtwo's fingers—for a second Tim thought it was blood, but it wasn't thick enough. The night air suddenly felt much colder. "You've been poisoned."

Mewtwo, with clear visible effort, forced his eyes open to look down at the wound. There is no way that those Pokémon could have injured me this much. Even with their type advantages, I am the most powerful Pokémon to ever live.

"That may be true," Tim admitted, hating to contradict Mewtwo's prideful stature, "But if one of them poisoned you, that would have been draining your energy and health for the entire battle." Tim should have thought of this. Dr. Drew was a poison-type trainer, poisoning his opponent was probably the first rule in his book.

This pernicious poison must be from that Beedrill,Mewtwo surmised lowly.

Suddenly Mewtwo began to glow with a faint green light. "What—?" Tim started to say before he noticed the dirt and scrapes on Mewtwo's body begin to smooth over. He was using Recover.

Tim bit his lip. Recover healed wounds and restored health, but it did nothing for energy.In fact, it costenergy. Mewtwo should be resting right now. And… "That won't stop the poison," Tim noticed that Mewtwo straightened as if no longer in pain, but the Pokémon's shoulders drooped a little as if he were tired. "You'll just keep losing health until it leaves your system."

Mewtwo growled in frustration, both telepathically and physically.

"I got something," Tim said, and hurried back to the car. He called over his shoulder back to Mewtwo. "My Dad keeps some medical supplies in here for Pikachu." He rummaged through the compartments, hoping his Dad had bought some, before he finally found the little yellow spray bottle. There was barely any left, but enough. He triumphantly lifted it into the air. "Got it!"

He backed out of the car seat and approached Mewtwo swiftly, who at once jerked back as Tim got closer, still clutching his side.

Tim stopped. "This is an antidote. It'll—"

I know what it is, Mewtwo snapped. But I can apply it myself.

"No offense, but with your fingers?" Tim shot back. "And you're exhausted, so your psychic powers might not be stable enough to hold it steady. There isn't much left of this; you can't afford to miss." Mewtwo lashed his tail, and Tim was confused as to why the Pokémon didn't immediately agree. Was he really so mistrustful of humans?

Then Tim noticed how Mewtwo looked almost…defensive? He blinked and noticed that Mewtwo's tail was curled close to him. The hand clutching his side seemed to be even tighter now. And one of Mewtwo's feet was a step back, almost as if he had half a mind to run. He balanced his weight a little awkwardly.

Oh. Mewtwo's vulnerable.

Mewtwo had probably been up all day and night keeping vigilance over the laboratory and had just been through an intense chase and an unfair battle, poisoned at some point during it. Recover numbed any pain and temporary patched up wounds, but exhausted the user. Tim knew that Mewtwo didn't like humans, but the fact that Mewtwo didn't feel particularly strong right now was probably feeding into some deep-seeded fears, maybe even subconscious ones.

"I promise I won't hurt you," Tim murmured softly.

Mewtwo's eyes leapt up to meet his. Tim held his gaze, before Mewtwo turned his head away and reluctantly released his side. He lifted his other arm so Tim could reach it. Tim grinned. He couldn't tell if Mewtwo had decided to trust him, or realized that Tim could hardly do any damage even if he wantedto, or had just conceded to Tim's points…but Tim couldn't help thinking he had just been given a huge amount of trust. Mewtwo refused to look at him as Tim sprayed the antidote on, but turned back once Tim was finished. Tim watched him critically inspect the area before appearing—grudgingly—satisfied.

…Thank you.

Tim blinked in surprise and then stared at Mewtwo in disbelief. Mewtwo wasn't meeting his eyes, but had turned his gaze to look down the road where Dr. Drew had escaped again.

"You're welcome," Tim finally said. Mewtwo's jaw tensed as if he were uncomfortable, so Tim hastily changed the subject. "We need to get back to the city."

Mewtwo scoffed. Why? Even ifthe human returns there, we have no way of finding him in that mass.

"We'll figure it out," Tim said stubbornly. "But right now, it's our best bet. Besides, we have to head back there anyway." Tim took out his Pokedex-phone to check the time, and winced. "And I should call my Dad to tell him I'll be home late." He felt horribly guilty, and hoped his father wasn't disappointed in him.

Mewtwo lashed his tail, clearly displeased, but Tim wasn't done. He opened the passenger's door and stepped aside. "Come on, get in."

Mewtwo stared at Tim as if he had just suggested that he should cuddle a Cacnea. Excuse me?

Tim knew he was about to have quite an argument ahead of him, and resigned himself to it. "This is the best way to get you into the city. You're exhausted, it'll be tough for you to run in this state, and we can't risk you getting found and attacked by any of those trainers poking around for you."

You think no one will notice me in a human car? Mewtwo said disbelievingly.

"They certainly won't be lookingfor you there," Tim pointed out. Mewtwo couldn't argue with that. "And you can stay in my apartment tonight. It'll be safe."

Mewtwo drew himself up to his full imposing height, all trace of tiredness gone from him. I do not need your offer of safety,he spat. I am quite capable on my own.

"What if a bunch of trainers find you and gang up on you, like how Dr. Drew did just now? Or some wild Pokémon?" Tim thumped his hand on the car door impatiently. "If you come with me, you won't have to worry about it at all. You can sneak in through my window again and leave in the morning."

And your father? Mewtwo said this as if it were a reason notto go, but Tim answered readily.

"You're psychic. You should be able to sense him if he comes, and you're fast enough to get out of the room in time." Tim put one hand on his hip. "And being found by him is better than some overzealous Pokémon Master-wannabees."

Yet again, Tim scored himself another point. Mewtwo did not respond for a second. Another second. Three. Five… Fifteen….

OOO

Once Mewtwo had settled himself in the front seat besides Tim, his tail draped over the back of it and his legs curled underneath him, Tim decided notto tell Mewtwo to put on his seatbelt. He was pushing it already. If they didcrash, Mewtwo would probably be alright on his own. And he would probably view seatbelts as a kind of restraint, which wouldn't go over well.

"I need to call my Dad," Tim said, taking his phone back out.

Mewtwo eyed it for a moment before putting his hands on his legs and straightening up a little, his horns brushing the roof of the car. Very well. Be quick. He closed his eyes as if in meditation.

Tim considered asking what Mewtwo was doing, but it was already late and he really did need to call his Dad. He held the phone to his ear and listened to the tone.

Harry picked up quickly. "Heya, Kid," Tim's Dad sounded chipper, but Tim could hear the hint of nervousness. "I was thinking about calling you; it's pretty late. Almost home?"

Tim grimaced. "Not…exactly," he admitted. "I am about to start coming home, but it might be a while. I'm sorry; I totally lost track of time."

There was a small pause. "That's okay, Tim, a coffee-addicted detective such as myself completely understands that."

"Pika-chu,"Pikachu agreed in the background.

"Alright, I'm on my way back," Tim said, hoping he didn't sound fake. "But you probably don't want to stay up for me, okay? I'd hate it if Lieutenant Yoshida got angry at you for falling asleep on the job tomorrow because of me."

"Did I notjust say I was coffee addicted?"

"Got a point there," Tim shot back playfully.

He listened to his Dad chuckle on the end, before becoming strangely silent. "Is there anything you want to tell me, Tim?"

Tim looked over at Mewtwo, the very secret he was keeping, and bit down his instinctive yes.Mewtwo, although he had been sitting peacefully like a reflective Meditite, opened his purple eyes to give Tim a threatening look.

"No, not really," Tim yawned, partially pretend, hoping it would make his Dad back off. "Be home soon. If you're not up, then goodnight." He gave hesitated only a short moment, then added, "I love you."

He couldn't see his Dad…but somehow, he knew Harry was smiling. "Goodnight, Tim. I love you too." Tim savored the relaxing relief those words brought, and then hung up.

Tim tucked his phone away and then started up the car. It groaned a little, but came to life without a problem. Tim had just turned it around and had started heading back down the road when he realized Mewtwo was staring at him.

"What?" Tim asked, having trouble focusing on the dark road now that he knew Mewtwo's focus was pinned on him.

You and your father care about each other a great deal, was all Mewtwo said.

Tim felt a little uncomfortable at that comment. The last few weeks with his father had been great, but they were constantly tainted with the guilty thought of 'Could it have been like this all along?'If Tim had decided to come live with his father years ago, how different would his life be? Or if his Dad hadn't been such a workaholic and come to Tim himself? If they had at least calledeach other more often, instead of letting distance and Tim's Mom's death draw them apart?

Tim cleared his throat. "Yeah, we do. And I'm very grateful that you saved him." Tim glanced at Mewtwo out of the corner of his eye, wondering if Mewtwo might be deciding to trust Harry. He doubted it. "And I haven't thanked you for saving me just now, actually." Tim pursed his lips. "You let Dr. Drew get away, with your cells, to save my life."

Mewtwo's telepathic response was soft and quiet. I have caused enough pain and suffering in this world without being responsible for your death.

Yet again, Tim wasn't sure how to respond to that. He got the feeling Mewtwo wouldn't want to talk about his past, and from what Tim didknow of it, he didn't think he wanted to hear more. Still, he didn't like how guilty Mewtwo sounded. "You've helped a lot of people, too, you know. You fixed the city. You saved my Dad."

Despite being separated from your father for several years, you are still quite attached to him.

Tim wondered briefly how Mewtwo knew that Tim and his Dad had been apart for so long. The psychic Pokémon hadmoved Harry's soul around, and erased his memories…how much of Harry's mind had Mewtwo seen?

"Yes, I am," Tim said matter-of-factly. The car bumped as it hit a ditch in the road, and Tim wondered if it had been made by one of Mewtwo's stray Shadow Balls hitting the ground. "I'm enjoying the city, being with him, and learning how to be a detective." Mewtwo kept prodding about Tim and Harry's relationship, and Tim wasn't sure where the Pokémon was going with it.

You were not trying to be a detective before?Mewtwo's sudden interest and alertness was unmistakable.

Tim squinted at Mewtwo's tone, but wasn't able to look at him as he made a narrow turn. "No. I was working in my hometown, with no intention to leave. But after my Dad went missing…well, I tried it out and I think…" Tim paused, unsure how to phrase this and not sound silly. But he could feel the intensity of Mewtwo's gaze on him, which made him blurt out, "I think it's what I'm supposed to be doing."

Tim felt his cheeks warm a little, and hoped Mewtwo couldn't tell in the darkness. Had he really just said that to this practical, serious Pokémon? He mumbled lamely, "It just feels right."

Tim avoided looking at Mewtwo and tried desperately to focus on the road. It felt dumb to admit that aloud to anyone, much less Mewtwo.Surely Mewtwo scoffed at the idea at a mere humanfinding meaning, much less as a nobody detective in a crowded city full of amazing people and Pokémon who had to be far more—

I am glad for you.

Tim's hand jerked, and the car jerked with it, swinging closer to the edge of the road before he hastily corrected it. The sudden movement sped up his heartbeat, but Mewtwo was completely unaffected, staring out the window passively. "What?" Tim demanded.

It seems you have found your purpose, Mewtwo said, as if it were the most normal thing in the world for him to compliment a human. That is special. I am glad for you.

Who are you and what have you done with Mewtwo?Wait…there was something about Mewtwo's tone that suggested something deeper.

Tim couldn't help but dig. The worst that could happen is Mewtwo wouldn't answer him, right? "So what's your 'purpose'?" Tim asked, throat becoming a little dry. Mewtwo turned his head away from the window and narrowed his eyes at him. "I mean, you don't just spend all your time chasing down your cells, right?"

Tim realized that that might be a little closer to the truth than he originally thought. All legendary Pokémon were tracked and followed by humans. Whether dreamers who wanted to see them, trainers who hoped to catch them, researchers who sought to study them, or poachers who wanted their power. Not only was Mewtwo legendary, but he was also a manmade miracle of science and the most powerful Pokémon in the world. He probably dealt with more people trying to take him or his DNA than any other Pokémon on the planet.

But Mewtwo didn't seem at all offended by Tim's question. Still searching,was all he said.

That was an interesting answer. Those short two words implied that Mewtwo's 'search for his purpose' was something he had been doing for a long time… Mewtwo had first been spotted by humans around twenty years ago, give or take. And although people normally started being independent and finding professions around eighteen, that was when they were mature. Mewtwo had been cloned, and bornwith adult consciousness and maturity. That was an awfully long time to be searching for meaning, and that wasn't even including however long he had lived beforehumans had first discovered him.

"What have you tried?" Tim asked curiously. What sort of things would Mewtwo try out, thinking they might be worthy causes to dedicate his life to?

Mewtwo's tail flicked over his seat, Tim seeing its movement in the rearview mirror. I can defeat almost any Pokémon on the planet with ease. I have triumphed in numerous battles. I've taught myself some of the most advanced sciences of humanity, particularly genetics and biology, studied Pokémon themselves both in battles and out, have dabbled in architecture, and…

Mewtwo hesitated, and Tim was curious as to what he was about to confess.

After drawing in his legs under him a little, Mewtwo said, I used to think that the only purpose worthy of my tremendous power was to craft the world in my image. Tim's arms became rigid, and he forced himself to take his foot off the gas pedal before something bad happened. Mewtwo didn't seem to notice as the car began to slow. But I came to the conclusion that doing so would not bring me fulfillment, and that it was cruel of me to discard the humans and Pokémon on it.

The car rolled to a stop and Tim turned to stare at Mewtwo. Mewtwo didn't seem at all disturbed by what he had just said.

Tim waited a moment to see if Mewtwo would explain himself, but Mewtwo seemed quite content to remain silent. "What in the worlddoes that mean?" Tim demanded finally.

Mewtwo gave Tim a look that clearly said he did not appreciate Tim's tone. It means,Mewtwo said pointedly, That I have been through many hard challenges at the hands of humans, and made some mistakes. Mewtwo's hands clenched into fists. Yet I have realized many of these and will not make them again.

Tim stared at Mewtwo, who began to get impatient. Did you not say you needed to return to your home, human?

And they were back to 'human' again. Tim's hands tightened on the steering wheel. His Dad had said that Clifford Enterprises told him Mewtwo was dangerous. 'Craft the world in my image' certainly didn't sound good. Maybe Howard Clifford's lies hadn't been entirely off-base. Was Mewtwo concealing more atrocities, hiding them from Tim?

Wait a moment. Tim snapped himself out of that train of that—Howard Clifford was a madman, and while that didn't disqualify him from making good points, it didn't put the odds in his favor, either. Tim knew Mewtwo fairly well by now, and although Mewtwo was antisocial, defensive, and occasionally hostile, Mewtwo wasn't evil.At least, not anymore, if he had ever been. Tim had thanked Mewtwo for saving him and his Dad only moments ago. Whatever bad things Mewtwo had done in the past…wasn't who he was now.

Tim wrestled with that for a moment. But he knew that Mewtwo had just given him some information that he wouldn't give to just any human. Mewtwo was trusting him, in some odd backwards way. The legendary Pokémon had decided to tell Tim this, but he didn't want to talk any more about it. Something told Tim that Mewtwo would only open up about his 'many mistakes' when hewanted to.

"…Alright, then," Tim said softly. He turned back to the road and pressed on the gas, getting them moving again. Mewtwo was quiet.

"Why did you decide to tell me this now?" Tim asked, unable to help himself.

I suppose you should have some inkling as to who you are allowing to come into your home, human.

Tim found himself grinning. "Not even world domination will get out of it that easily, Mewtwo."

Mewtwo hummed noncommittally. The telepathic reverberations in his head gave Tim the impression that though Mewtwo hadn't been lying, Tim was somewhat, if not entirely, correct in guessing his intentions.

"My name's Tim, by the way," Tim corrected for what felt like the fifth time.

I have heard you say so,Mewtwo said in a detached tone.

"You ever bother to use a human's name, Mewtwo?" Tim asked reprovingly.

Mewtwo's voice was almost—almost sweetwhen he asked back, Have you ever bothered to use a Pokémon's?

Tim blinked, all confidence slipping away from him at that thought. Pokémon often had nicknames, but most just were called by their specie'sname, which was how they spoke, at least to the human ear. For some ignorant reason, Tim had believed that was just how Pokémon were, only because that's the way it had alwaysbeen. Suddenly, he felt very stupid and naive.

"Pokémon have names?" he asked in a hollow voice.

Mewtwo allowed a beat of silence, before he seemed to relax a fraction and answered. Most variations in Pokémon names are too subtle for humans to understand. It involves the exact tone, body language, and even the emotion that is accompanied with the word. It is impossible for a human to speak it correctly.

A bit of Tim's shame eased. "Oh." Awkward silence descended on them as he tried to process that.

Tim searched for a change in subject, and settled on returning to their previous topic. "You know…" Tim said slowly. "For your purpose, you don't haveto find something 'worthy of your powers.' You don't need some great quest, like guarding time or the balance of the ocean or whatever. Maybe something small would satisfy you."

And let my abilities go to waste? Mewtwo said, insulted.

"Your abilities aren't who youare," Tim pointed out. Mewtwo leaned back, surprised. "You were born with them, sure, but you aren't justthem. You've been trying to find something grand and fantastic, but maybe something smaller might give you the…" Tim searched for the right word, "satisfactionyou're seeking."

Judging from the silence, Tim doubted that thought had ever occurred to Mewtwo before. Tim could see where Mewtwo had gotten this idea that he needed to do something as incredible as his powers. But having greater power meant you could do more,not less.

"And even if you dodecide to do something 'lesser,'" Tim went on, "That doesn't mean you have to do it forever.You can stop and do something else whenever you want. You're Mewtwo, after all." He shot Mewtwo a grin, who was staring blankly off into space in contemplation.

Tim was silent, waiting for Mewtwo to respond. "Just a thought," he finally said, shrugging one shoulder.

Mewtwo looked up. What temporary purposes have you pursued?

Tim blinked, not expecting such a question. Mewtwo seemed merely curious, but the fact that he was actually interested in Tim,himself, was a little ground-breaking. Tim answered best he could. "I was an insurance intern for a while. Mostly office work." Tim glanced at Mewtwo again and saw his snout crinkling. So Tim sighed and confessed. "Yeah, I didn't really like it either. I went through a stage as a kid where I wanted to be a Pokémon Master. Every kid does, I suppose."

You? Mewtwo turned a little in his seat to face Tim better. Yet you do not even have a Pokémon partner. I had assumed you were different.

Wow, the loner, manmade, one-of-a-kind legendary Pokémon was calling him'different.' That said something.

"Well, the position of Pokémon Master is pursued only by those who dream big," Tim sighed. "Hundreds of trainers want it in each region, but obviously there aren't many Masters out there. When my—" Tim's throat caught and he cleared it, forcing the words out, "—When my Mom died, I grew up earlier than I would have. I stopped dreaming, I guess."

He swallowed. "What I told you is true, though. Once I decided I didn't want to try to be a Pokémon Master anymore, I didn't think I needed a Pokémon."

It was kind of funny, though, now that he thought about it. For years, Tim had been so busy stubbornly denying himself a Pokémon partner that he had never really paid attention to what that partnership meant,especially out of battle. The worlds of humans and Pokémon—they were so inseparably mixed together and yet, at the same time, also incredibly divided. Humans had technology, resources, and lifestyles that Pokémon just couldn't live in on their own. And Pokémon had their own amazing powers and connection with nature that humans didn't. When humans and Pokémon partnered together at all times, they worked as bridges to each other's worlds. And so, the two species, despite being so different, were drawn together. Harry, as Pikachu, had called it magic. Hope.

Which made Mewtwo an interesting conundrum. Being made by humans, he didn't fit in with other Pokémon, as didn't have that connection with nature and the world around him. Being a Pokémon himself, he didn't quite fit in with humans either. So where could he fit in? Was he a bridge to both? Or walled off from both?

Tim saw lights up ahead; the Grass-Type Laboratory. He realized how confused Dr. Richard and Dr. Alexis must be. He glanced over at Mewtwo. "I have to stop here."

Mewtwo's eyes narrowed. Why?

"The other scientists are going to be rather confused," Tim explained. "I just left them there. You need to stay here, in the car, and not be seen."

Why is this important?Mewtwo asked skeptically. I thought your goal was to return to your home as quickly as possible.

"Yes, but if I don't do anything, these scientists might call the cops, which will draw attention from my Dad and make it harder for me to help you." Tim began to pull over. "Hide in the back, if you have to."

Mewtwo glanced at the backseat with distain as Tim parked the car. He got out, and gave Mewtwo one last look. "I won't be long."

It was only once Tim was at the door of the facility that Tim wondered if leaving Mewtwo alone in his car was a bad idea. But he cast the idea off—it wasn't like Mewtwo was a child.

When Tim reentered the front door, he saw there was still a great deal of Rage Powder covering the walls and floors. The Amoonguss was passed out on the floor, and Lurantis stood above it, keep diligent guard. Dr. Richard was sitting was sitting at the front desk, glaring at the phone on it, while Dr. Alexis was standing on the other side of the room of the Amoonguss, and judging from the footprints in the Rage Powder, she had been pacing.

"You're back!" she cried, the moment Tim stepped in, and Dr. Richard and Luranits looked up. Dr. Alexis immediately hurried over to him, wringing her hands. She looked as pale as Dr. Richard naturally was, even with her sun-tanned freckled skin. "Oh my goodness, I was so worried. Are you hurt?"

"No," said Tim, trying not to think about how his car had fallen off a mountain. "I'm fine. But I'm afraid Dr. Drew got away."

"Wonderful," Dr. Richard droned sarcastically. He hadn't gotten up from his seat. He turned his cold eyes on his coworker. "Nowmay we call the police?"

"You haven't already?" Tim asked, surprised.

"No," Dr. Richard answered dryly. "Dr. Alexis was under the impression that as you are a detective, you would have called for police backup already. She insisted we wait, despite my very logicalarguments that you are a child."

"It's good that you didn't," Tim blurted before he could think about it. Obviously he didn't want Lieutenant Yoshida catching him in a situation he shouldn't be in again, or his Dad finding out he had snuck back to the labs without telling him.

"Why?" Dr. Alexis asked, worried.

Tim bit his lip. "It's like my Dad said earlier today. We're looking for a dangerous chemical. But after what happened a few weeks ago—" everyoneknew about what happened with Mewtwo and Clifford Enterprises, "—the police have decided to keep it quiet. This information should go straight to the chief. I'll do that."

"Really." Dr. Richard began tapping a pen on the desk. "You. Yes, you've certainly proven your trustworthiness after sneaking into our laboratories. Without a warrant, I might add."

Tim did his best to appear calm, and contain his wince.

"Peter," Dr. Alexis sighed. "I think the boy is telling the truth. And we can't ruin their investigation by revealing it to everyone."

"You're trusting this boy—"

"I'm twenty-one, thanks," Tim said frostily. He had always been mistaken for being younger than he actually was. "And I've done cases like this before," he added, which wasn't entirely untrue.

Dr. Richard still clearly doubted that anything he had said was honest. Tim considered pulling out his junior detective badge, but although that would prove he was somewhat experienced, it would also show that he was not.

"Actually, I can't stay long," Tim blurted. Both doctors jumped at how loud his voice had unintentionally gotten. "I have to report this information right away. But I stopped to see if you both were all right."

"Awfully convenient that you have to leave so soon," Dr. Richard muttered.

"Don't mind him," Dr. Alexis took Tim's hand in her own. "I'll talk to him. You go back and do your job. We won't say a word of this to anyone." But then she bit her lip. "Please tell the Lieutenant that Jacob—Dr. Drew—also stole the Zubats I had just rescued."

Tim remembered the dozens of Zubats that had burst from Dr. Drew's car, flocking around Mewtwo. Eventually, after a few of Mewtwo's attacks, they had flown off back into the woods. They were wild Pokémon, and being returned to the wilderness was what Dr. Alexis had intended for them anyway. But Tim couldn't find a way to explain all that to her.

"I will, thank you," Tim breathed, and meant his gratitude, at least. If Dr. Alexis really kept things quiet, it would keep things much less complicated.

After a short goodbye (Dr. Richard merely glared at him), Tim left the lab. In the last second before Tim scurried out, he thought their faces became strangely blank. It was odd, but he didn't bother to think on it. He wasn't entirely convinced that Dr. Richard would stay silent, but he feared that if he pursued more, he'd become more suspicious. Tim mulled this over, barely paying attention to where he was headed until he reached his car. He stopped short.

"What have you done?"

I decided to re-familiarize myself with human mechanics.

"You've torn the car apart!" Tim spluttered.

Mewtwo had completely disemboweled the car. Its hood was up like an open carcass, parts were neatly spread out on the asphalt or even suspended in the air. Two of the doors had been disengaged from their hinges, and three of the tires. One of the headlights had been taken out like a gauged-out eye, and Tim even spotted the steering wheel lying on the ground. There was one wiry piece that Tim didn't recognize at all, but it had a bright red sticker that said DANGER: DO NOT TOUCH with a giant X and a simple but clear drawing of a person being electrocuted.

"I was in there for less than ten minutes!" Tim cried. "How?"

This contraption is actually quite simple compared to other machines I have worked on. Pieces that might have once been the engine were orbiting around Mewtwo as he inspected them. It was not difficult.

"Mewtwo," Tim breathed, feeling his throat begin to close up. "This is my Dad'scar. What am I supposed to tell him when he needs it in the morning?" As if it wouldn't be hard enough to explain why it was covered in mud and had a noticeable number of new dents, plus the cracks in the windows. Now it wasn't even a car—more like a pile of car pieces.

Harry would never let him borrow it again.

Calm down, human, Mewtwo said unsympathetically. With a long flourish of his arm, all the pieces glowed a gentle blue and lifted themselves into the air, beginning to reassemble and make their way back into the car. My memory is near-perfect.

With the final clickas the last piece fell into place like that of a magic puzzle, the car looked exactly the same. Actually…

Tim paced around its edge and noticed that the mud and dirt was gone like it had never been. The windows, at first glance, looked fine. But when Tim peered closer, he saw semi-faint spiderwebs where the cracks had been. Like they had been fit and blended back together but the damage had still happened. The dents were smoothed over too. But not the older ones, Tim realized, only the ones from tonight.

"You fixed it," Tim whispered.

Mewtwo flicked his tail, a movement that resembled a shrug, in his own way. As you said, your father will use it eventually. We cannot leave a trace of what really happened.

Tim was just grateful Mewtwo had done this. Tim hadn't known whathe would tell his Dad in the morning, but Mewtwo had considered that and covered for him. Tim had expected Mewtwo just to leave him to deal with it, but apparently not. "Thanks."

Mewtwo did not respond to the gratitude, but instead turned away, flung the passenger door open with a mere jerk of his chin, and repositioned himself in the car. Tim hesitated a moment, slightly tempted to press Mewtwo into acknowledging his thanks, but gave up and went back to the driver's seat. He turned the key, and the car sprung to life as if it hadn't just been gutted out like a Pyukumuku ejecting its organs. Tim was just about to start backing up when he froze, realizing something. He turned to Mewtwo with a sharp eye.

"Will you let me know the next time you're going to tear up expensive technology?" he asked warily. He almost wanted to demand it, but he knew by now that Mewtwo wouldn't react well to that.

Mewtwo looked at him for a moment, and then a small smile briefly played on his lips. No promises.

OOO

Tim drove slow, unwilling to hit anything in the dark or strain the car after all it had been through tonight. Mewtwo lowered himself into his seat when they entered the city, remaining out of sight of anyone outside, but also keeping the outside within hissight. Tim didn't know why, but Mewtwo's wide purple eyes flickered to and fro, all across the city. He stared at the public art, the neon signs, and Pokémon they passed. Surely Mewtwo had seen the city before? Perhaps he had just never seen it from the position humans did, or never stopped to actually lookat it. Sneaking around and avoiding others didn't always give you the opportunity to take in the sights.

Still, Tim found it curious how Mewtwo's large purple eyes watched the city lights with rapt enchantment. And based off how well their conversations had been going tonight, he felt bold enough to ask him. "What's up, Mewtwo? You've seen the city before."

Mewtwo's eyes flung to Tim as if he had forgotten Tim was there. Then they drew back to look at the world outside. The city looks…big, from down here.

Tim wrinkled his nose. Being from a small, sleepy, suburban town, the city was incomprehensibly large to him. Calling it 'big' was an understatement if there ever were one. He may enjoy it more than his boring old home, but it's hustle and bustle could be overwhelming at times. Yet what did Mewtwo mean, 'from down here'? Why would the place from which you looked at the city change anything? It was so full of life and energy that anyone could see it from miles away.

"Not from up there?" Tim asked, nodding his head. He had little experience with flying, but he hadbeen pretty high up skyscrapers the last few weeks. Most notably when Ms. Norman had made him dangle from a window several stories above the ground.

No,Mewtwo said absently. Not when I am looking down on them, or flying through. But from below, with these constructions towering above us, I believe they are…impressive.

Tim peered forward and up towards the front window, trying to see Mewtwo's angle. When he'd first come to the city, he had been a little too overwhelmed by crowds and activity to think of all the work and thought that went into buildingit. "Yeah, I suppose so. Both people and Pokémon build the skyscrapers together. It's a massive effort. Takes lots of time and hands."

Mewtwo was quiet at that, yet continued observing the buildings with the same fascination for the rest of the trip.

Tim parked the car in the hidden corner of the lot, carefully looking side to side to make sure no one else was here this late. He turned to Mewtwo. "You can sneak through my window again, right?"

Mewtwo's tail curled in unpleasantly. Yes, he grumbled.

Tim raised an eyebrow at him. "You willcome, right?"

Mewtwo shot Tim a glare as the car door opened on its own. Despite Mewtwo's bulky frame that looked like it barely would fit in the small car, he slid out with the ease of a Seviper. I said that I would.

Tim bit his lip. Mewtwo definitely wasn't going to thank Tim for his hospitality, but Tim could see that Mewtwo needed a proper place to spend the night. Somewhere he could rest comfortably, without having to worry about wandering humans.

Still, though, if Mewtwo was going to be livid about it all night, neither of them would get good rest. "Mewtwo…" Tim sighed. "I'm asking this of you because I want to make sure you're safe and recover fine. But…" Tim hesitated, really weighing his next words before he said them, "I don't want to forceyou. If you're not comfortable sleeping in a human room, you don't have to."

Mewtwo snapped his head around and looked at Tim with an uninterpretable expression. Despite having large, expressive eyes that took up a good portion of his face, Mewtwo could be quite good at hiding his feelings from his expression when he wanted to be. So much for the old saying 'eyes are the gateway to the soul.' Mewtwo kept his under lock and key.

Tim had already marshalled a good enough argument that Mewtwo had hadto agree to it. But perhaps Mewtwo just wasn't up to being that close to humans, though of course he would never admit that hewas incapable. As composed and elegant as Mewtwo was, right now he looked as tense as a Torracat before bath time. Tim hated the idea of Mewtwo sleeping outside in some alley or warehouse, but if that's what he wanted…

Mewtwo stared at Tim searchingly for a long moment. No, he said finally. I see your argument, and agree with it. I am willing to stay the night with you. Mewtwo oddly drew in just then, as if he was unsure of himself. That is, if you will still have me.

Tim beamed at him. "Definitely. See you in a few minutes."

Tim hurried into the apartment building. He tapped his foot in the elevator. If his Dad was asleep, he'd slip into his room with no problem. He hoped Harry was; he felt guilty enough without keeping his Dad up late.

Tim had just unlocked the door and opened it when he was Quick-Attacked by a furry yellow bullet. "PIKACHU!"

"Ow,Pikachu, that was hard,"Tim complained. Pikachu clung to Tim's shirt to keep himself up, stretching it, and Tim quickly wrapped his arms around the Pokémon in order to save his clothing.

"Pikachu, Pikachu!" The Electric Mouse objected crossly. Pikachu's large brown eyes were alight with anger, and his fur was on end.

"Yes, I know, I know, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to stay out so late." Tim gently tried to detach Pikachu's paws from his shirt. "It won't happen again, okay?"

"Well, looks like my work as a father is done for me." Tim turned to see Harry sitting in one of the chairs, setting aside a yellow folder. Tim swallowed; so much for his Dad going to sleep before he got back. It was a small hope, but a hope nonetheless.

"You should have gone to bed," Tim mumbled.

"I believe Ishould say that to you,"Harry shot back, standing up. Pikachu hopped off Tim's chest and into Harry's arms, before climbing up to sit on his shoulder. "Don't take allmy parenting jobs from me." Harry gave a half-hearted teasing smile, but it was clear from his eyes that he was disappointed.

That look burned Tim. "I'm sorry—"

His Dad held up at hand, and Tim snapped his mouth shut. "Tim, I'm not mad." Harry stared at Tim, and Tim realized it was true. "You're not a child anymore. You can definitely stay up late. What's childishis sneaking off, and not telling me what's going on." Harry crossed his arms and arched an eyebrow. "So. What's going on?"

Tim's mind spun out of control, frantically thinking of believable answers before he blurted, "I was just looking around town."

His Dad didn't look at all convinced. "Looking around town."

"Yeah," Tim hedged. Don't think about how it's a lie and it won't seem like one. "Just exploring neat places. Restaurants, shops, murals, Pokémon…" Tim silently cursed himself—why did he have to say that last one?

Harry tilted his head. "Pokémon? Like what?"

Gloom, Phantump, Lurantis, Beedrill, Haunter, Honchkrow, Golbat, Drapion, and, of course, Mewtwo.

"Golbat," Tim went for, because it was the most likely Pokémon to be seen in a city. The others weren't as common, and it might seem suspicious to Harry if Tim said he saw one.

"Golbat," Harry repeated, face deadpan.

"And others," Tim offered.

This was going so terribly. How could Tim lie to his father, the detective?To violate his Dad's trust just when they were starting to rebuild their relationship? This was a recipe for disaster. Tim should just fess up now, confess it all, and deal with Mewtwo's wrath, because—

"All right."

Tim practically jumped. "What?"

Harry shrugged. "All right," he repeated, as if it didn't even matter. "If you say so." Tim stared at his Dad, but Harry was already moving on. "Lieutenant Yoshida called. He needs me to help out tomorrow with the trainers from out of town."

It took Tim a solid minute to follow the change in subject. "Wait, tomorrow? What about the case?"

"I have to put it on hold," Harry said with another shrug.

As if that were the simple end of it, Harry began to walk past Tim and head for his room. Tim turned to watch his father in disbelief. Right as his Dad was about to turn the corner, Tim found his words. "But our case is important, and we have to act quickly! You can'tjust let it go!"

His Dad stopped and turned back around. "I have to," he said plainly. And then, in a soft, sly voice he added, "But you don't." Harry grinned at Tim's shocked face before turning back down the hall. "Goodnight, Tim."

Tim wasn't sure how long he just stood there, but eventually he heard his Dad's bedroom door close. His Dad was leaving the case to him? So far, Tim had only tagged along on his Dad's investigations. Even when he had first come to Ryme City and been searching for his Dad, Harry had been right at his side, if in the form of an amnesic Pikachu. And while Tim had just gone rogue tonight and slipped into the Grass-Type Laboratories, he hadn't intendedit to get so dangerous. He started to wander towards his own room, deep in thought. Now, he had to crack the case all on his own.

Tim was so lost in his own mind that he completely forgot Mewtwo was supposed to be in his room—how ridiculous was that? He opened the door and stood dumbfounded for a few seconds, staring at Mewtwo who was observing one of his photographs on his bedside table. Standing as casually as if he did it all the time.

Then it all came back to him in a rush, and Tim hastily closed the door. He knew his Dad had gone to bed, but Pikachu did what he wanted when he wanted.

I'm not entirely alone,Tim remembered. I have Mewtwo, at least.

At that thought, Tim found himself a little glad.

[Well, Tim and Mewtwo may have fallen a step back in their hunt for R, but I say they've taken two steps forward in their partnership. Thanks for reading!]